Suzuki® Violin program

Fall semester September 6th- December 16th (no lessons during the Thanksgiving break)

Suzuki Method: A world-renowned method for teaching violin as well as most other instruments, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki pioneered the method for teaching children from as young as 3 years old using a language learning acquisition model.  Just as children listen, absorb, and imitate the language around them, we set up an environment so that they may learn violin in the same way.  Aspects of both language learning and Suzuki violin learning include: immersion (listening and exposure), attempts to imitate what they have heard, repetition for mastery, and positive reinforcement.

The “Suzuki Triangle” is a necessary component of the Suzuki Method.  On each side of the triangle is a member participating in the student’s learning of the violin: the student, the teacher, and the helper(s).  Involvement and communication on all sides of the triangle are paramount.  The triangle is equilateral, so each member is equally important, equally respected, and equally involved.  Each side of the triangle has its own roles to fulfill but evolves with time.  The helper’s role, at first, is the most extensive.

The teacher’s responsibilities:

• Educate the parent(s) as teacher’s assistant at home
• Give suggestions to the parent(s) and the student for how to practice, listen to recordings, take notes,...
• Affirm and encourage the student’s and the parent’s roles
• Act as a role model to the child to be a musician and to the parent to be a teacher
• Continue learning and improving to become a better musician and teacher

The helper’s responsibilities:

• Play the recordings of the songs suggested by the teacher
• Attend lessons and take notes (written, recorded, pictures,..)
• Practice with the child at home as teacher’s assistant
• Become aware of how the child learns
• Learn the basic skills of the instrument
• Observe and learn from other children’s lessons

The student’s responsibilities:

• Respect the teacher and helper
• Will acquire skills and responsibilities (from the helpers) depending on their age and stage of development.

The motto of the Suzuki method and philosophy is “Every child can.”  Talent is learned, not inborn.  This applies to students of any age.  Anyone can learn if they apply time and practice.  There are no failures. Each student has their own learning rate and learning style.  It is the teacher’s and helpers’ jobs to accommodate the students’ learning.  The environment is key.  A good learning environment includes no distractions, positive feedback, positive attitudes, and good motivation.